I have recently got into horse agility with Ben but came up against some problems where he would flatly refuse to walk over plastic sheets and would plant himself on some obstacles. I do think that he had a genuine fear of them, but was not terrified.
I attempted the pressure/release method of the dually which worked to some extent, I attempted rewarding him with kind words and pats and rubs which I know he enjoys. Yesterday I thought that I would give food rewards a try. He soon got the idea that if he did as I asked, he got a polo. The result was a fabulous walk right by my side. He walked right over 3 plastic sheets, let me put 2 umbrellas over his head, went through a skinny tunnel and generally improved his attitude 100%.
I know that there is a general feeling that rewarding with treats is wrong. Do any of you use food rewards and if so, do you have any problems with them?
I attempted the pressure/release method of the dually which worked to some extent, I attempted rewarding him with kind words and pats and rubs which I know he enjoys. Yesterday I thought that I would give food rewards a try. He soon got the idea that if he did as I asked, he got a polo. The result was a fabulous walk right by my side. He walked right over 3 plastic sheets, let me put 2 umbrellas over his head, went through a skinny tunnel and generally improved his attitude 100%.
I know that there is a general feeling that rewarding with treats is wrong. Do any of you use food rewards and if so, do you have any problems with them?